Elijah Ndhlovu passed away November 16, 2023. He was born June 26, 1983, in Lusaka Zambia, to Kenneth Ndhlovu and Jenny Ngoma.
At the age of 14, as a bright-eyed young boy full of dreams and ambition, he came to the United States where he lived with his aunt Salome Tudor and uncle Allen Tudor, in Boise, Idaho.
Education was important to Elijah. He was very smart and devoted a lot of time to his academics. He eventually found his calling in the medical field. Upon completion of his schooling, he became a Surgical Tech at St. Al’s in Ontario Oregon before switching over and continuing the same career at St. Al’s in Nampa, Idaho. His hard work ethic and skill set were highly praised throughout his career, and he was one of the best in his field. He was currently in the process of applying for P.A. schools to fulfill his dream of becoming a Physician’s Assistant. Along his journey he met many coworkers who eventually became family to him.
He met his wife, Debi, while he was pursuing his post-secondary education. They got married on May 14, 2011, in Caldwell, Idaho. They welcomed their daughter, Olivia in 2012, and their son, Damien in 2013.
Elijah was a creative man with many sayings. He was always trying new things and enjoyed interacting with others. He was the light and joy whenever you needed it and was always one of the first people to welcome you. If there was music—he was dancing. If you needed a pick me up—he’d make you laugh. Naturally a class clown, with a smooth demeanor, he was able to be the life of the party. He was never afraid to step outside his comfort zone if it meant bringing a smile, or a little light to someone’s day. His optimism was inspiring, and many found comfort while in his presence.
Elijah enjoyed cooking and would often dabble in his culinary side. He loved a good meal and was always making messes in the kitchen by trying new, and sometimes interesting recipes. Nonetheless he was dedicated to the craft and continued refining and growing his skills.
Elijah had a surplus of friends. You’d often find them together. Whether it be going out on the town, hiking, barbecuing, deep conversations about life, kicking it at each other’s cribs, or just enjoying time together. His friendship was a blessing to have, and he had a way of making an impact on those he was close to; so much so, that one of his friends named their son after him. If you were to ask anyone of them about what they cherished most about him, you’d get a variety of answers.
We will miss Elijah immensely and are forever grateful for the memories that he gave us while he was here. His bright smile and contagious laugh are something that will be missed fiercely. His personality and soul were such a light, that trying to find the words to summarize his life is no easy task. Though he might not be here with us anymore, his spirit will live on in all that knew him, may it be the memories he left behind, the jokes and stories once told, or the little reminders you catch when you least expect it.
Like throughout his career, Elijah was able to save a few more lives by organ donation. Both Elijah’s kidneys and heart were successfully transplanted, and he was able to give the gift of life to those in need.
He is survived by his wife, Debi Ndhlovu, and children, Olivia and Damien, his mother Jenny Ngoma, his aunt, Salome Tudor, Uncle Allen Tudor, his cousins Phillimon and Daisi, his brother Lamek and sister Elizabeth back home in Zambia, and a long list of extended family.
He is preceded in death by his father Kenneth Ndhlovu
A memorial service will be held January 6 th at Maple Grove Grange at 2:00 p.m.